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Sleeping Beauty
Sleeping Beauty's enchanted slumber has captivated readers' hearts for centuries. Now brought luminously to life by K. Y. Craft's lavish paintings, this new edition of a timeless favorite is sure to enchant readers both young and old. Fairy tale lovers have been eagerly awaiting Craft's next magical romance since the release of her Cinderella . With illustrations inspired by the magnificent style of Baroque painters, the sumptuous color and exquisite detail of this breathtaking interpretation make it a dream come true.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2002
13 people are currently reading
1571 people want to read
About the author
Mahlon F. Craft
7 books22 followersMahlon F. Craft came to writing late in life. Beauty and the Beast is his second published work as an author. He is a graduate of the Art Academy of Cincinnati. After completing postgraduate studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in the 1960s, he worked as an award-winning art director and graphic designer. Beauty and the Beast is the ninth picture book of his design.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
March 28, 2021
Kinuko Y. Craft's illustrations are the stars of this book! Her name as illustrator even takes top billing on the cover and title page! Intricate, exquisite detail is found in each oil over watercolor painting. Even the Grade 4 students that I read aloud this book to agreed!
What lost a star for me is the text size. The font set for this book is in Adobe Koch Antiqua which is suitable for this story's theme; however, I wish it was one size larger to make it easier as a read-aloud without the need for reading glasses!
I recommend reading this book aloud to younger children in more than one sitting as it is quite lengthy.
What lost a star for me is the text size. The font set for this book is in Adobe Koch Antiqua which is suitable for this story's theme; however, I wish it was one size larger to make it easier as a read-aloud without the need for reading glasses!
I recommend reading this book aloud to younger children in more than one sitting as it is quite lengthy.
June 11, 2020
The illustrations are so lush and full of detail. Such books are designed as much for adults as for children, I am sure!
July 7, 2019
Having explored the world of Greek mythology in
Cupid and Psyche
,
Pegasus
, and
King Midas and the Golden Touch
, the marvelously talented Kinuko Craft has more recently turned her attention to the world of classic European fairy-tales, among them
The Adventures of Tom Thumb
and
Cinderella
. In this most recent picture book, she offers a gorgeous version of the famous tale of Sleeping Beauty, with the text arranged by her husband, Mahlon F. Craft.
Although the tale of the sleeping beauty holds interest for me as a student of the folktale and its transmuted cousin, the fairy-tale, I have never been able to truly take it to heart. The idea of an enchanted sleep may have appealed to my childish imagination, but the complete passivity of the heroine always prevented me from truly empathizing with her. Whatever one thinks of Cinderella's desire to attend the ball, the reader can at least sympathize with her mistreatment at the hands of her step-family. Beauty, of Beauty and the Beast fame, can be admired, both for the sense of honor that compels her to acknowledge that her father's bargain must be kept, and for the devotion that leads her to take her father's place at the Beast's palace. Princess Aurora, on the other hand, is simply unlucky enough to be the target of a vengeful fairy's curse, and faces no personal and/or moral challenges that might elicit a sense of fellow-feeling from the reader.
This is not to say that Sleeping Beauty holds no appeal whatsoever, as it can still be enjoyed on the level of a rather simple fantasy (or in the case of some, as a sort-of sexual paradigm, ala Anne Rice). Kinuko Craft's illustrations are, for me, the main joy of this particularly title. As I noted in my review of her Cupid and Psyche , they are quite romantic, and almost overwhelmingly lush... The first full plate, in which the queen is seen bathing by the pool with the prophesying frog, is full of charm. I often think that Craft is at her most compelling when painting somewhat sinister figures, and here is no exception, as the two-page spread in which the king and queen are confronted by a very displeased fairy reveals. I would have awarded this five stars for the illustrations alone, but I found that the painting depicting the famous kiss scene was somehow flat. This was a real disappointment (one of the few I have ever felt in Craft's work), as this is the iconic scene of the tale. I cannot understand how the cover-illustration, which also depicts Aurora in her enchanted sleep, could appear so dynamic, while the "kissing" scene could look so bloated and unappealing. Oh well...
One other note, for the fairy-tale fan: I have noticed in my perusal of many different editions of Sleeping Beauty, that although this name is taken from the collection of tales by the Frenchman, Charles Perrault, the actual tale which we now more commonly associate with this title is taken from the Brothers Grimm. It is called Briar Rose in their collection, includes the prophetic frog at the beginning, and ends with the fateful kiss and resultant marriage. The Perrault version, sometimes also called The Princess of the Sleeping Wood, includes an entire second section, which takes place after the marriage, and involves the prince's ogreish mother. I have always found it fascinating that although it is the tale of Briar Rose we see so often reproduced, it is almost never called by that name. This version is clearly from the Grimm collection, and although Mahlon F. Craft acknowledges this by mentioning the name Briar Rose in his text, I would have liked to see something more official. Craft may have translated and reshaped the story, but it was written by the Brothers Grimm, and they are not mentioned at all, even on the title page. While I am sure that this is completely legal, as this tale has long been in the public domain, some acknowledgment of origin is in order, I believe...
Although the tale of the sleeping beauty holds interest for me as a student of the folktale and its transmuted cousin, the fairy-tale, I have never been able to truly take it to heart. The idea of an enchanted sleep may have appealed to my childish imagination, but the complete passivity of the heroine always prevented me from truly empathizing with her. Whatever one thinks of Cinderella's desire to attend the ball, the reader can at least sympathize with her mistreatment at the hands of her step-family. Beauty, of Beauty and the Beast fame, can be admired, both for the sense of honor that compels her to acknowledge that her father's bargain must be kept, and for the devotion that leads her to take her father's place at the Beast's palace. Princess Aurora, on the other hand, is simply unlucky enough to be the target of a vengeful fairy's curse, and faces no personal and/or moral challenges that might elicit a sense of fellow-feeling from the reader.
This is not to say that Sleeping Beauty holds no appeal whatsoever, as it can still be enjoyed on the level of a rather simple fantasy (or in the case of some, as a sort-of sexual paradigm, ala Anne Rice). Kinuko Craft's illustrations are, for me, the main joy of this particularly title. As I noted in my review of her Cupid and Psyche , they are quite romantic, and almost overwhelmingly lush... The first full plate, in which the queen is seen bathing by the pool with the prophesying frog, is full of charm. I often think that Craft is at her most compelling when painting somewhat sinister figures, and here is no exception, as the two-page spread in which the king and queen are confronted by a very displeased fairy reveals. I would have awarded this five stars for the illustrations alone, but I found that the painting depicting the famous kiss scene was somehow flat. This was a real disappointment (one of the few I have ever felt in Craft's work), as this is the iconic scene of the tale. I cannot understand how the cover-illustration, which also depicts Aurora in her enchanted sleep, could appear so dynamic, while the "kissing" scene could look so bloated and unappealing. Oh well...
One other note, for the fairy-tale fan: I have noticed in my perusal of many different editions of Sleeping Beauty, that although this name is taken from the collection of tales by the Frenchman, Charles Perrault, the actual tale which we now more commonly associate with this title is taken from the Brothers Grimm. It is called Briar Rose in their collection, includes the prophetic frog at the beginning, and ends with the fateful kiss and resultant marriage. The Perrault version, sometimes also called The Princess of the Sleeping Wood, includes an entire second section, which takes place after the marriage, and involves the prince's ogreish mother. I have always found it fascinating that although it is the tale of Briar Rose we see so often reproduced, it is almost never called by that name. This version is clearly from the Grimm collection, and although Mahlon F. Craft acknowledges this by mentioning the name Briar Rose in his text, I would have liked to see something more official. Craft may have translated and reshaped the story, but it was written by the Brothers Grimm, and they are not mentioned at all, even on the title page. While I am sure that this is completely legal, as this tale has long been in the public domain, some acknowledgment of origin is in order, I believe...
July 7, 2024
luminous and baroque art, with illuminated bramble-hedge letters starting off each paragraph. the best panels were: (1) the moment after the curse, when the fairy approaches the despairing royal couple in an almost klimtian display of gold, (2) the princess approaches the spindle (lots of renaissance blue touches here), and (3) the prince encounters the captive princes who ventured to the tower before him. the century-long sleep does happen, but she dreams of the prince throughout.
January 15, 2021
Just exquisite. The ONLY problem with all of Craft's book is the font of the text, which is small and rather hard for me to read (ok, I have quite bad myopia, but still). I now have purchased all of her books and am a huge fan because they are so well made, so utterly beautiful.
August 6, 2021
I think I've found my favorite version of Sleeping Beauty. The Crafts' work is perfection--they make a splendid team. I could get lost in the pages for hours. Even for a story about insta-love, the charm comes through. Definitely one to add to my personal library!
April 4, 2015
Beautifully illustrated but slightly bloodless.
March 20, 2018
What a beautifully illustrated book, absolutely stunning. The retelling is simple and enchanting. I love fairies tales and Sleeping Beauty is one of my favorite.
October 21, 2009
Simply beautiful!
The illustrations in this retelling are exquisite and almost like delicate portraits from a bygone era. (the illustration of the king carrying Aurora is very touching!) There are also gorgeous details (both in wording and illustration - the falcon, the dog, the rose - oh, and the Prince's horse is beautiful!) K. Y. Craft made a very wise decision, I think, by matching such intricate illustrations with a fairly high-level of vocabulary. The tale will still register with younger readers, but be warned that there were a few times I found myself stumbling over the speech patterns or word choices (however, if you know this going into the read, it shouldn't be an issue but will instead enhance the retelling). Also, the attention to detail in this story really help to take the tale to a elevated level of "read-aloud."
I also was intrigued by K. Y. Craft's decision on how to represent the King. Typical of this version of Sleeping Beauty, the evil fairy is not invited because she is believed either dead or under spell since she hasn't been seen for more than fifty years. However, it is quite apparent that this was simply the King's excuse for not inviting her, because he didn't want the expense of creating another costly golden set place-setting: "for his treasuries were nearly as dear to him as his daughter." Zing! However, the King realizes his selfishness, and his character does have quite an arc by the end.
In this tale it appears that the prince wants to rescue Aurora, which appears more selfless than in some other retellings: "The thought of a sleeping beauty such as Briar Rose lying unprotected in a thorny prison was more than his good and valiant nature could bear." A warning, there is an illustration of the fallen princes within the briar, though they pretty much look like they've been sleeping.
Perhaps my favorite part was the last page, I won't spoil it, but I thought it was very poetic and a great way to summarize the lives of the characters.
The illustrations in this retelling are exquisite and almost like delicate portraits from a bygone era. (the illustration of the king carrying Aurora is very touching!) There are also gorgeous details (both in wording and illustration - the falcon, the dog, the rose - oh, and the Prince's horse is beautiful!) K. Y. Craft made a very wise decision, I think, by matching such intricate illustrations with a fairly high-level of vocabulary. The tale will still register with younger readers, but be warned that there were a few times I found myself stumbling over the speech patterns or word choices (however, if you know this going into the read, it shouldn't be an issue but will instead enhance the retelling). Also, the attention to detail in this story really help to take the tale to a elevated level of "read-aloud."
I also was intrigued by K. Y. Craft's decision on how to represent the King. Typical of this version of Sleeping Beauty, the evil fairy is not invited because she is believed either dead or under spell since she hasn't been seen for more than fifty years. However, it is quite apparent that this was simply the King's excuse for not inviting her, because he didn't want the expense of creating another costly golden set place-setting: "for his treasuries were nearly as dear to him as his daughter." Zing! However, the King realizes his selfishness, and his character does have quite an arc by the end.
In this tale it appears that the prince wants to rescue Aurora, which appears more selfless than in some other retellings: "The thought of a sleeping beauty such as Briar Rose lying unprotected in a thorny prison was more than his good and valiant nature could bear." A warning, there is an illustration of the fallen princes within the briar, though they pretty much look like they've been sleeping.
Perhaps my favorite part was the last page, I won't spoil it, but I thought it was very poetic and a great way to summarize the lives of the characters.
February 3, 2019
Sleeping Beauty may not be one of my favourite fairy tales nevertheless I thoroughly enjoyed this version and especially the absolutely beautiful illustrations. Each illustration in this book is a painting.
The narration is excellent too. It is faithful to Charles Perrault's Sleeping Beauty.
The narration is excellent too. It is faithful to Charles Perrault's Sleeping Beauty.
July 26, 2023
Such a beautiful book.
✨✨✨✨✨
✨✨✨✨✨
January 3, 2012
Good book, but I didn't really like it as a child.
April 12, 2017
Gorgeously illustrated! As a fan of fairy tales, I found these illustrations to be some of the most beautiful I have seen. They are rich in color and the details are exquisite. Kinuko Craft also managed to include a German Shepherd in some of her artwork, which as a dog lover I found rather endearing.
May 7, 2019
Fine version. Lovely pictures.
August 29, 2022
Just as magical and whimsical as when I read it as a child!
December 23, 2020
this one was my little sister's so less fresh & immediate in my memory but god ! so beautiful ! luminously beautiful ! i now desperately want to find copies of all the other fairy tales she's illustrated !
January 1, 2018
Beautifully illustrated.
October 22, 2014
I've always loved the traditional Sleeping Beauty tale and I enjoyed reading it again as an adult. However, it seems to make more sense as a child because now reading it there are a lot of weird elements that are only explained by coincidence or not thoroughly explained.
Either way I still love the story and would recommend it to anyone! Plus the illustrations are beautiful and unique and really give it a renaissance feel.
Either way I still love the story and would recommend it to anyone! Plus the illustrations are beautiful and unique and really give it a renaissance feel.
December 12, 2015
Has some lovely pictures. Has some, also, not so lovely ones -- the problem I suspect is that picture books illustrators have to illustrate every scene, which is not an ability common even among good artists.
Also has an illuminated capital letter for each page. Those are all lovely
Also has an illuminated capital letter for each page. Those are all lovely
August 19, 2015
I was sixteen when I received this book. And here, in 2015, am still looking back and reading it. Kinuko Craft brings the tale to life and the writing is wonderful. Will be very curious to see her rendition of "Beauty and the Beast" coming in 2016.
March 28, 2015
Gorgeous, sumptuous, illustrations and a lovely retelling.
January 7, 2025
This rating is for the edition adapted by Mahlon F. Craft and illustrated by Kinuko Y. Craft.
June 21, 2024
The beloved tale is presented with lush, elaborate illustrations. The text, by Mahlon F. Craft, is written in an equally elaborate, timeless style.
Will those drawings seem truly enchanting, as the publisher hopes? Or will they seem to come from some 200 years ago, with an unsettlingly over-elaborate quality?
To this Goodreader, the choice of font is definitely a mistake. It's unnecessarily delicate, making it difficult to read the long paragraphs. And what, exactly, do I mean by "long paragraphs"?
HERE'S A SAMPLE OF JUST ONE PARAGRAPH
To give you an idea of what readers and listeners are in for:
Suddenly, the palace came to life.
In the stables, the horses neighed and shook their manes, the doves in the eaves began to coo once more, and even the dragonflies continued their flights.
In the kitchen, the fire sprang up and the cook and his lazy boy awoke and stared a moment in surprise.
Then the lad got the cuff on the ears he had deserved for one hundred years.
The thick tangle of briars fell away and disappeared and in the surrounding countryside, tales of the reappearance of the castle filled the gossip of every house, night fire, and tavern for leagues around.
Note, I added a bit of space, starting new sentences. Rather than presenting you with the same impenetrable was of over-long paragraph presented in the book.
Even then, wasn't the reading quite a slog?
BEFORE RATING THIS BOOK
I'll get this off my chest. If I were the author's English teacher, I'd grade this project at a C+. There is no era to the style, no sense of place in the writing. Let alone any music.
Punctuation is borderline terrible.
NONETHELESS, RATING THIS BOOK
I'll give it FIVE STARS. Since I rate books in terms of the intended readership.
Unless folks specialize in writing, as I have done as a professional writer and lit. major in college, they won't mind the author's tin ear. Or maybe the over-long paragraphs will actively impress readers, delivering that illusion of fabulousness that the publisher clearly intends to enchant all the readers.
Will those drawings seem truly enchanting, as the publisher hopes? Or will they seem to come from some 200 years ago, with an unsettlingly over-elaborate quality?
To this Goodreader, the choice of font is definitely a mistake. It's unnecessarily delicate, making it difficult to read the long paragraphs. And what, exactly, do I mean by "long paragraphs"?
HERE'S A SAMPLE OF JUST ONE PARAGRAPH
To give you an idea of what readers and listeners are in for:
Suddenly, the palace came to life.
In the stables, the horses neighed and shook their manes, the doves in the eaves began to coo once more, and even the dragonflies continued their flights.
In the kitchen, the fire sprang up and the cook and his lazy boy awoke and stared a moment in surprise.
Then the lad got the cuff on the ears he had deserved for one hundred years.
The thick tangle of briars fell away and disappeared and in the surrounding countryside, tales of the reappearance of the castle filled the gossip of every house, night fire, and tavern for leagues around.
Note, I added a bit of space, starting new sentences. Rather than presenting you with the same impenetrable was of over-long paragraph presented in the book.
Even then, wasn't the reading quite a slog?
BEFORE RATING THIS BOOK
I'll get this off my chest. If I were the author's English teacher, I'd grade this project at a C+. There is no era to the style, no sense of place in the writing. Let alone any music.
Punctuation is borderline terrible.
NONETHELESS, RATING THIS BOOK
I'll give it FIVE STARS. Since I rate books in terms of the intended readership.
Unless folks specialize in writing, as I have done as a professional writer and lit. major in college, they won't mind the author's tin ear. Or maybe the over-long paragraphs will actively impress readers, delivering that illusion of fabulousness that the publisher clearly intends to enchant all the readers.
May 10, 2018
Beautifully exquisite portraits and a story that reads just like a classic novel. A great version for older children who will appreciate its richness.
Ages: 6 - 10
Cleanliness: the first illustration shows a woman in a very revealing/see-through dress - you can see her breasts.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
Ages: 6 - 10
Cleanliness: the first illustration shows a woman in a very revealing/see-through dress - you can see her breasts.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
June 4, 2019
This classic fairytale of Sleeping Beauty has a twist to it. The characters are all animals. The main characters are bunnies. The same story, queen wants to have a baby and one day is granted one wish. The king and queen have a baby and celebrate the joyous occasion by inviting all the kingdom and seven fairies. One fairy is not invited, who ends up placing a curse on the young princess. The king and queen are saddened but one of the good fairies saves the celebration by changing the curse. Read Sleeping Beauty to find out what happens to the princess.
March 22, 2024
The artwork is beautiful. The story is the well-trodden version, but for some reason conspicuously avoids mentioning anything about the fate of all the rescuers who'd disappeared into the briars over the centuries.
I also liked the fact that the briars in the artwork concealed nearly the entire castle instead of looking like a wall around it. The briars was part of the good fairy's work-around to protect the sleepers, and thinking about it, it's counter productive to be able to see the castle through them. It'd just tempt people into danger for no reason.
I also liked the fact that the briars in the artwork concealed nearly the entire castle instead of looking like a wall around it. The briars was part of the good fairy's work-around to protect the sleepers, and thinking about it, it's counter productive to be able to see the castle through them. It'd just tempt people into danger for no reason.
November 22, 2017
The opulence of the story is felt so strongly throughout the book. It amazes me how dream like the artwork is. A favorite among Illustrators.
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July 24, 2019
This book is a MUST for every fairy tale lover.
The illustrations are SUPERB. *gasp* They make the book a truly magical addition to my library.
I've been a fan of the illustrator since I was a kid and somehow managed to land a copy of her Twelve Dancing Princesses book (also fabulous). Now I'm on a mission to own all of her books. They are THAT GREAT.
Happy looking!
The illustrations are SUPERB. *gasp* They make the book a truly magical addition to my library.
I've been a fan of the illustrator since I was a kid and somehow managed to land a copy of her Twelve Dancing Princesses book (also fabulous). Now I'm on a mission to own all of her books. They are THAT GREAT.
Happy looking!
December 12, 2021
Gorgeously detailed illustrations and a fairly gentle version of the tale. (No images of past prince’s bones caught in the briars for example.) I will say though, I can’t help wondering why the king and queen in these myriad versions ever leave their daughter alone on her 16th birthday. You’d think if they’d had a heads up like that they’d have been a little more paranoid. Just sayin’.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews